Well, it’s done. I have finished the Work chapter of my life. Maybe it would be more accurate to say, the Working-For-Someone-Else chapter of my life. Today at 1:20 p.m. I turned in my ID badge, walked out the door, and forgot all about the things I left behind. Oh yes, as much as I’ve done since I turned in my resignation letter three months ago there was still plenty of work left for my replacement, whoever that may be.
The festivities began yesterday having lunch with my coworkers. They treated me to a lovely Greek buffet at Christos in the Union Depot. Glam and delicious.
I don’t often post pictures of myself on the interlinks, so I’d be interested to know if any of you can guess which one of these people is me.
Today my boss set up an open house of sorts. Come on in, have some cake, and wish me well! It’s always fun to see who comes to see me and who comes for cake. The best ones are those who come to see me and enjoy the cake.
Yikes! TWO cakes, vanilla and chocolate!!! Plus cookies and peanuts! This is my kind of party!
I might have reconsidered leaving this great group of people after they threw me such a nice party, except for the part where I’ve burned out and have paid my dues. I deserve to retire, right? After all, I’ve devoted nearly thirty-six years to the State of Minnesota. That’s over half of my life. Half of my life!
After driving home in a daze Husby greeted me with a tremendous hug and a dozen roses. “I thought I should do something,” he said.
Weeks ago he offered to take me out for a fancy dinner to celebrate my retirement, but I requested a special meal, made at home, at the side of a blaze in the fireplace. Pizza Rolls, frozen clam strips, and mini eclairs for dessert. He filled the order to a T.
As of right now my retirement is going very smoothly. The only thing I’m concerned about is that I don’t have the day job as an excuse anymore. Will my “side” business thrive? Will I publish my novel? Will I whip my home into shape to my severe satisfaction?
Stay tuned for the next episode in the adventures of Auntie B!
Auntie B's Wax 
So excited for you! You’re gonna love retirement and sooner than you think, will be so busy that you’ll wonder how you ever maintained the day job! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what kind of trouble we can get into together over the next 35 years!
I’m excited for you too! Funny how we have such different lives and yet are on the same timeline – it’s been great to travel the road with you. And yes, there’s still a lot of road ahead. I hope my brittle bones and feeble mind can take the trouble we stir up!
Oh, congratulations, Sara (the lady in black with the great smile and curly hair), I am so happy for you! You are going to to great things, even if just sleeping in greatly! Hurrah!
Thanks, Cindy! (and you win the prize for guessing me in the picture) This morning I woke up earlier than I thought I would, but after TEN hours of sleep! Glorious!
Yay! You’ve retired! Wishing you a period of rest and relaxation before you start filling up your days again. Don’t rush into anything. Just relish it. xx
Thanks for your good wishes, Lucie! I don’t think I’ll have a problem resting and relaxing. I plan to be the poster child for Leisurely Retirement.
The wonderful thing about retirement is that YOU get to decide how much or how little you want to do during YOUR days. You aren’t defined anymore by what you do; now you get to be defined by who you are! Congratulations, Sara!
Oh please, Lorna. Do you really think I was “defined” by my job?! Definitely not!!!! But you are right in that I get to do what I want and when I want and get to create a new identity that doesn’t involve the day job. I’m loving retirement life so far, after one day!
Good for you! I am jealous! Think of all the time you will now have to enjoy your life….wishing you the best always! Diana
Thanks Diana! I hope all is well with you. What are you up to?
I see you Sara the woman in Black? Congratulations and ENJOY your second ACT its going to be very creative for sure.